What to do, eat, and see in Seoul in the month of October, based on my 8-10 visits to South Korea.
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Recently, my lovely neighbour said to me: “I understand that you have been to Seoul at least 8 times. I will be visiting Seoul for the first time in October. Do you have any travel tips?"
Below is all the information I gave her!
Note: if you plan to shop, here's a FREE Dongdaemun voucher from Klook! (It's a Super Pass that gets you exclusive discounts and sometimes free gifts)
Weather
October, with its pleasant weather, is an ideal month to visit Seoul. (Korea has very distinct seasons, with humid and hot summer months and cold winters. Spring and fall are the best time of the year to visit, with the most optimal weather conditions)
It is the perfect time of the year to see the beautiful fall foliage, which draws visitors from around the world. Mid to late October is the peak foliage season.
In Seoul, the weather in October is cool with clear blue skies, mild temperatures, and moderate rainfall, perfect for outdoor exploration. The average temperature in the day is around 21 degrees Celsius/ 70F while night temperatures can drop to 9 degrees Celsius/ 48 F.
Throughout the month, the number of rainy days and humidity continue to decline with moderate rainfall averaging 52 mm.
Things to Note
- October is a popular month to visit Seoul. Its fine weather and beautiful changing leaves draw travelers from everywhere. So, expect crowds and higher prices at hotels, especially during the 2 weeks of peak foliage: mid to late October.
- Be sure to arrive early at popular tourist spots (Nami Island and national parks) if you want to avoid the crowds. (Seoul is a VERY crowded city.)
- October 3 is National Foundation Day (Gaecheonjeol)
- October 9 is National Hangul Day (Korean Alphabet Day) commemorating the creation of the Korean alphabet during King Sejong’s reign in the 15th-century.
Festivals & Cultural Events
Gyeongbokgung Palace at Night
Festival Dates: TBC (Last year it was held on September 1 - October 29, 2023)
Address: 161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Whilst you are in Seoul, why not visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, to get a glimpse into Joseon’s Royal culture, palace life and architecture? It's especially beautiful on sunny days!
Admission is free for visitors wearing hanbok, (the traditional Korean costume.) This also applies to all of Seoul’s other palaces. When you rent one, you can also have your hair styled, dressing up like a Joseon-era noblewoman/man and taking some beautiful photos in the palace.
Grand Chrysanthemum Festival (대한민국 국향대전)
The Grand Chrysanthemum Festival started in fall 2004. The breathtaking flowers, which are a symbol of joy, happiness and longevity, can be seen in the palace grounds, along Sinmumun Gate, and at the nearby Jogyesa Temple in Jongno.
At Jogyesa Temple, you can also watch music performances and wander round a bazaar.
Gangnam Festival
Dates: September 29 - October 9, 2024
Address: Coex East Gate, Seoul
The Gangnam Festival - Yeongdong Daero K-POP Concert is famous for its well-known K-pop stars and is one of the biggest events of the year in the Korean entertainment industry.
Join an exclusive walking tour with the K-POP Concert, wandering along the streets of dynamic Gangnam (made world-famous by the song Gangnam Style) where you will encounter live performance by Korea’s top music acts, see the latest fashion trends and taste culinary delights.
You can even get a K-pop experience in Gangnam, complete with makeup, hairstyling and a photoshoot.
Seoul International Fireworks Festival
Dates: October 7, 2024
Address: Yeouido Hangang Park
Locals and tourists flock to the banks of the Han River every October, where they have a good time watching the colorful fireworks.
There are also daytime performances and a DJ-led after party.
Royal Culture Festival
Dates: October 9 - 13, 2024
Address: 5 Royal Palaces (Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung,
Deoksugung and Gyeonghuigung), Jongmyo Shrine and Sajikdan Altar
Admission: Fees vary depending on the venue
Performances: 0900 to 1800 hours
This festival is held twice a year, in spring and fall, and gives visitors an insight into South Korea’s rich cultural heritage through traditional performances, rituals, and interactive events.
Note: if you're traveling with your kids, there are also educational exhibitions and performances tailored for children.
Welcome Daehakro Festival (웰컴대학로)
Dates: To be advised. (It was held on October 14-18, 2023 last year).
Address: 120 Daehakro, Jong-gu, Seoul
This festival, started in 2017, features street theatre painting, non verbal performances, “K-stage” events with several concerts and many more activities.
Seoul Silver Grass Festival (서울억새축제)
Dates: October 19-25, 2024
Address: 95, Haneulgongwon-ro, Mapo-gu
The Seoul Silver Grass Festival will be held in October, at the Haneul (Sky) Park in World Cup Park, near Seoul World Cup Stadium. (This is the season when the Silver Grass blooms.)
Korea excels at rejuvenation stories- just think of Busan's Gamcheon Culture Village (which used to be a war slum)- and, similarly, Haneul Park used to be a garbage dump before it was transformed into a healthy ecosystem thanks mainly to the planting of silver grass.
Today, Haneul park has the largest expanse of silver grass found in Seoul. It is situated at the highest point of World Cup Park, and is the most popular of the 5 smaller parks.
To get to the top, travelers will need to climb the 291 steps of the zig zag Hangul Park stairs or take a long hilly walk of 1.4 km up to the top of the park!
Thankfully, for senior citizens, there is a round-trip shuttle bus from the Park's entrance (KRW 3000 per adult.) It operates every day, between 1000 and 2000. It comes at intervals of 10-20 minutes. It can take travelers to the top of the park in 7 minutes.
Outside Seoul
Baekje Cultural Festival (대백제전)
Dates: September 28 - October 6, 2024
Address: Gongju (Geumgang, Singwan Park) & Buyeo (Baekje Culture Resort)
Performance Time: 1000 - 2000 hours
The Baekje Cultural Festival takes place at UNESCO World Heritage sites in Gongju and Buyeo, former capitals of the Baekje Dynasty.
It seeks to bring to life the rich history and culture of the ancient era, through traditional Korean performances, parades, exhibitions, fireworks and modern Pop performances.
Gwangju Chungjang Festival (광주 추억의 충장축제)
Dates: To be advised (Last year it was held on October 5 - 9, 2023)
Address: 1 Seonam-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju
Admission: Free
Every October, citizens from the 13 districts of Gwangju Dong-Su celebrate the Gwangju Chungjang Festival.
At the Chungjang World Parade (the main event), visitors can see the streets of Chungjang as they appeared in the 1970s to 1990s. Visitors are encouraged to wear blue jeans, sunglasses or old school uniforms, enjoy coffee at old style cafes and take black-and-white photos at photo studios.
Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival
Dates: To be advised
Address: 825 Jeongjo-ro, Palmdale-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do
Admission: Free
Head to the UNESCO World Heritage site, Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, to participate in the yearly 3-day festival held in October.
The Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival celebrates the legacy of King Jeongio of the Joseon Dynasty, through traditional music, martial arts performances, a Citizens Parade plus various other activities, which allow visitors a glimpse into 18th Century Korean life.
In addition, the Suwon Love Light and Food Culture Festivals will also be held around these areas.
Andong Mask Dance Festival
Dates: September 27 - October 6, 2024
Address: Old Andong Station, Downtown Taichung Park
Admission: Free
For those wanting to experience traditional Korean culture, the Andong Mask Dance Festival is an ideal event.
Visitors are able to enjoy performances such as Taekwondo, Korean mask dances, plays and eat at the various food stalls. (There are also performers from other countries participating in this festival!)
For a tour to Andong from Seoul, click here, but if you want to see the Mask performance, check the performance dates first! (The tour is held more frequently than the Mask performance.)
Jeongseon Airiang Festival (정선아리랑제)
Dates: October 2 - 5, 2024
Address: 21, Bongyang 3street, Jeongseon-eup, Jeongseon County, Gangwon-do
This festival has been held annually since 1976 to preserve and develop Jeongseon Arirang, traditional Korean folk songs are about love, joys and sorrows of life. (Jeongseon Arirang are the oldest in Korea but you'll here modern versions too.)
Many events and programs are held; the main event being the performance of the Arirang folk song.
IMSIL N Cheese Festival
Dates: October 3 -6, 2024
Address: 50, Adonis 2-Gil, IMSIL-gun, Jeollabuk-do
Admission: Fees vary by program
Have you noticed that Koreans LOVE cheese? If you do too, this is the festival for you!
At this unusual festival, visitors enter the Imsil Cheese Theme Park with its 9 different themes and 84 programs, where they can savour the scent of cheese all day long. The Park has quirky photo structures with oversized wedges and wheels of cheese situated in a rural landscape.
You can enjoy cheese making and pizza making lessons, for kids and adults. Visitors can also experiment with different ways of making cheese at the milk processing factory and science lab. There is also a Cheese Playground for kids and an area to see goats.
To complete your visit, visitors will be able to taste and purchase goods made from cheese at discounted prices.
Geumsan World K-Insam Festival
Dates : October 3 - 13, 2024
Address : Areas of Geumsan World Square and Insam Herbal Medicine Market
30 Insamgwangjang-to Geumsan-gun, Chungcheongnam-do
The Geumsan World Insam Festival is held every year in Geumsan, Korea’s largest producer of ginseng, to promote the efficacy of Insam (ginseng). (You might be most familiar with Insam in the popular summer dish, Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup (Saemgyetang)!)
Various games, delicacies, fashion items, beauty products using ginseng (think Sulwhasoo) will be promoted. There will also be a food corner featuring nutritious recipes combining Insam (ginseng) with representative foods from around the world.
Note: Nearby attractions are: Geumsan Ginseng Museum, Geumsan Ginseng Market, Geumsan Boseoksa Temple and Nami Recreational Forest.
Jinju Namgang Lantern Festival (진주 남강유등축제)
Dates: October 5 - 20 2024
Address: Areas of Jinjuseong Fortress and Namgang River, Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do
Fees: Free (however, fees apply if you want to take part in certain programs)
Cost of lantern: KRW 10,000
This festival is held in remembrance of the soldiers who defended the Jinjuseong Fortress during the Japanese invasion of Korea, the Battle of the Imjin War (1592 - 1598). The lanterns were used as a military tactic to deter Japanese troops from entering the Namgang River.
During the highlight of this festival, “Hanging a Hope Lantern”, people can place their hopes and wishes in lanterns which will be displayed from October 5 - 20, 2024 in the Somang Light Tunnel at Namgangdunchi in Manggyeong-dong. The fortress, main bridge, river and surrounding areas will be illuminated with colorful lanterns of various shapes and sizes at night. It's a beautiful sight against the evening sky!
As with most Korean festivals, there will be various events and programs including a parade of lanterns, lantern making workshops, fireworks show, water lighting show, cultural performances and rows of food stalls.
Note: I recommend visiting in the late afternoon and staying till after dark for good views.
Seosan Haemieupseong Fortress Festival
Dates: To be advised. (It was held October 6 - 8 in 2023.)
Address: 143 Nammun 2-ro, Seosan-si, Chungcheongnam-do
Fees: Varies by program
This annual festival is held every October at Haemieupseng Walled Town, a 600-year-old fortress.
Various events, programs, a reenactment parade, traditional music performances and fireworks will be held.
Gangneung Coffee Festival
Dates : October 6 - 9,2024 (to be confirmed)
Address : Areas of Gangneung and Gangneung Arena
Admission : Free.
This festival, held in the popular beach destination of Gangneung every October, is a celebration of all things’ coffee.
In this City of Coffee, coffee lovers can sample tastings from the country’s coffee shops. Seminars- in Korean- will also be held by masters sharing their knowledge.
Silla Cultural Festival
Dates: October 11 - 13, 2024
Address: Areas of Bonghwangdae & Daereungwon Tomb Complex in Gyeonghuigung
Admission: Free
The Silla Cultural Festival is held yearly to commemorate the ancient Silla era and its rich history and culture.
Since 1962, the cultural celebration has been held in Gyeongju’s Bonghwangdae, Hwangseong Park and the downtown area.
Outdoor Activities
Enjoy Autumn Foliage
Just as April is a popular month to visit South Korea for the cherry blossoms, October is famous for its autumn foliage which appears from the beginning of the month.
You can travel to Seoraksan National Park in the northeast: this is where the colorful leaves first make an appearance.
Alternatively, in Naejansan National Park, visitors can catch a glimpse of red and gold ginkgo trees before the season ends in November.
Ansan Ginkgo Tree Road in Chungcheongnam-do Province is one of the most popular autumn walks. (There are gingko tree roads everywhere in South Korea. They are admired for their longevity, and ability to survive and prosper in adverse conditions. Some gingko trees date back to at least 1,000 years.)
However, the Ansan Gingko Tree Road is also stroller friendly, dog friendly and bicycle friendly. (The pedestrian walks and bike trails are separate, making it easier for the elderly and other slower walkers.) There are also a few cafes- the Galley Cafe Monet has the best view of Gingko Tree Road.
By early to mid-November, the gingko leaves would have fallen, coating the roads with a “golden carpet of leaves."
Note: To get there by public transport takes about an hour- take the KTX fast train from Seoul Station to Cheonan-Asan Station.
Hiking or Treking
The national parks are ideal spots for both hiking and treking- you get to enjoy the beautiful scenery and work out at the same time.
The cool weather and sight of colorful autumn foliage makes these activities very pleasant and enjoyable!
Cycling
Bikes can be rented in Seoul and other cities.
The October weather is perfect for renting a bike and exploring spots such as Nami Island, along the Han River parks, Yeouido Island, Haneul Park and Seoul Forest (one of my favorite places to visit in Seoul.)
Night Markets
Some of the best night markets to visit include Bamdokkaebi and Namdaemun. At these markets, you can find stalls selling Korean street food, crafts, costume jewellery, cosmetics, clothing and art.
If you're intimidated by all the hustle and bustle, you can join a tour. Here are 9 of the best food tours in Seoul!
Other Things to Do
Seoul is famous for its skin care and beauty line. After days of sightseeing, you may want to relax by going to a Korean spa for a body massage and/ or facial. (I particularly like Sulwhasoo treatments.)
Alternatively, what about having a Korean haircut or a body perm?
What to Bring
- T shirts: a mix of long and short sleeved
- Note: If visiting temples or religious sites, the attire should be modest.
- Skirts or trousers
- In Korea, it's acceptable to wear very short skirts, but any hint of cleavage may get you weird looks
- One or two dressy tops or dresses (for if you go somewhere more formal)
- Walking shoes
- I've broken 2 pairs of shoes in Korea already! (You walk a lot.)
- Bringing an extra pair if you have large feet is a good idea. (It's almost impossible to find women's shoes in large sizes in Korea. (You can try ABC Mart in Myeongdong if desperate.))
- Sunglasses, hat and SUNBLOCK
- The UV index is high during daylight hours. Korean sunblock is very good so you could just bring something travel-sized and stock up there.
- Any prescription medicine you may need: remember to check Korea's laws as they do not always accept prescription notes from doctors.
- Travel documents: passport, air ticket, itineraries, hotel reservations, visa and insurance papers, international driving license (if you plan to drive) etc
- Credit cards
- Note that some street stalls only take cash.
- Mobile phone, chargers, and travel adapters
- eSIM or physical 4G SIM card
- The previous link (above) is for a physical SIM card that can be picked up from the airport. If you get a SIM card for more than 3 days, you get a free T money card via the link above (offer valid at the time of writing.)
Any questions about Seoul in October? Let me know in the comments!
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